His own wild hunger for blood grew apace with his desperation.

He flung himself forward in a last effort.
A ponderous fist cracked home between his eyes, fairly lifting him from his feet and hurling him against the base of the wheelhouse.

Then a forearm shot under his shoulder and a hand fastened on the back of his neck in an incomplete half-Nelson.

As McTee applied the pressure, Harrigan felt his vertebral column give under the tremendous strain.

He struggled furiously but could not break the grip.